Fiscal Note
This resolution amends Planning’s 2023 Adopted Capital Budget to appropriate an additional $10,000 in private donations to the Municipal Art Fund capital program. Friends of the Madison Arts Commission may fund up to $10,000 to cover any remaining costs as well as contingency amounts, a plaque, and dedication event.
The resolution also authorizes a non-competitive sole source agreement for the design, fabrication, and installation of a sculpture for the Darbo-Worthington-Starkweather Neighborhood by the end of 2024. The agreement is a two year commitment. The total cost is up to $118,000 with $100,000 coming from the Municipal Art Fund ($39,930.24 from the 2020 Municipal Arts Fund and $60,079.76 from the 2021 Municipal Arts Fund). Additionally Madison College will provide funding for classes and workshops by the artist ($8,000).
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SUBSTITUTE- Amending Planning’s 2023 Capital Budget to appropriate $10,000 in private donations and approving a non-competitive sole-source contract with Austen Brantley to create and install a sculpture for the Darbo-Worthington-Starkweather Neighborhood and authorizing the acceptance of outside funding for the project.
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WHEREAS, both the Darbo-Worthington-Starkweather Neighborhood Plan (2017) and the Comprehensive Plan (2018) contain recommendations about incorporating public art as an important component of placemaking; and
WHEREAS, in April of 2022, Madison College brought artist Austen Brantley to Madison for a residency and exhibition; and
WHEREAS, public response to his artwork was overwhelmingly positive and generated interest in commissioning Austen Brantley to create a public sculpture to add to the City of Madison’s art collection; and
WHEREAS, in February of 2023 the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) requested that City staff work with Madison college Staff to create a budget and proposal that would bring Austen Brantley back to Madison for a residency in which he will engage Madison College students, Darbo-Worthington neighborhood residents, and the larger Madison community to create a sculpture for the Darbo-Worthington neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, on April 19, 2023, the Madison Arts Commission unanimously approved a proposal brought to them by City Art Staff and the Curator of Exhibitions at Madison College describing a collaborative project to bring Austen Brantley back to Madison in the summer of 2023 to provide workshops to their students and connect with residents to help inform his creation of a site-specific bronze sculpture for the Darbo-Worthington Neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Austen Brantley will be contractually required to collaborate with appropriate City staff, commissions, and Madison College in finalizing the design details, transportation, and installation of the feature; and
WHEREAS, the project will be completed and installed by the end of 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute a noncompetitive sole-source contract with Austen Brantley for up to $100,000 for the design, fabrication, and installation of a public art piece for the Darbo-Worthington Neighborhood; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City is hereby authorized to accept outside fundraising in support of this project and acceptance of private funds up to $10,000 from the Friends of the Madison Arts Commission to cover any remaining costs as well as contingency amounts, a plaque, and dedication event; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Planning’s 2023 Adopted Capital Budget is amended to appropriate $10,000 in private funds within the Municipal Art Fund capital program; and
BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Madison will review and approve the final design prior to authorizing the artist to fabricate their design; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that City staff are permitted to encourage donations to the Friends of the Madison Arts Commission to support Austen Brantley’s commission.